Fee Deferral & Waiver Policies

On March 10, 2026, the City Council approved the following two policies related to fee deferral and wavier to streamline the approval process for project development: 

  • Fee Deferral Policy (NS-30,634):(PDF, 2MB) The policy allows 100% affordable housing projects to defer most development review fees for up to five years. If the project submits a substantially complete building permit application, fee deferrals may continue until the certificate of occupancy is issued and may be extended for up to five additional years afterward under an approved payment plan. Eligibility is determined by the Community Development Director, and any payment plan must be approved by the Finance Director. The policy clarifies and streamlines the fee deferral process by allowing staff to approve deferrals for qualifying 100% affordable housing projects, while requests for fee waivers must still go to City Council.
  • Fee Waiver Policy (NS-30,635):(PDF, 1MB) This policy creates a clear, consistent process for granting fee waivers for development or improvement projects on City‑owned land or buildings. Its purpose is to support public‑serving uses and encourage investment in City facilities. Staff will review requests on a discretionary basis to determine whether a project is public‑serving or could reasonably support future City office use and therefore qualifies for a fee waiver. Certain fee types remain ineligible, and projects that do not qualify under this policy may still seek a waiver directly from City Council.

     

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